Agriculture
DA shifts to high-return projects with faster payback periods
In a bid to ensure more efficient use of taxpayer money, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the agency's new focus on projects that offer an internal rate of return (IRR) of 12 to 14 percent per year and a payback period of no more than seven years. This approach to budgeting and operations marks a shift towards prioritizing investments that are both bankable and profitable, with non-investment-grade projects to be deprioritized, regardless of their agricultural viability.
Vietnam rice price fall below $400/MT
Global rice prices continued their downward trend, with the cost of 5 percent broken rice from Vietnam—the variety primarily imported by the Philippines—dropping below USD400 per metric ton.
DA approves onion imports to prevent price spikes
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed on Thursday the approval of onion imports to safeguard against potential price hikes.
Rice price deflation brings relief to consumers
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday expressed optimism that the deflation in rice prices seen in January will continue, thanks to strategic measures the government has taken to stabilize the cost of the staple.
PhilRice verifying AWD benefits vs traditional irrigation
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), together with Japan's Sagri Co. Ltd. and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), are piloting a smart agriculture program aimed at cutting methane emissions in rice farming.
